ok. that was nonsense.but really,there are a few worthwhile of hollywood legend status.tom hanks,al pacino,robert de niro.lost one of the best legends a few years ago-paul newman.
In all seriousness, the question posed by the OP is impossible to answer because of time factors. Perhaps there were outstanding actors during Shakespeare's lifetime.
It's a bit like a question I submitted a few years ago and, to my disgrace, failed to thank folk for their responses.
Sir Alec Guinness - such a range of characters and voices, some actors are the same whichever character they play (Michael Caine for example, although I do like him!).
The one man you could not keep your eyes off in any scene (and the likes of John Wayne, Gregory Peck and Cary Grant couldn't outshine him) was Robert Mitchum.
Of today's crop, I'd say Kevin Spacey.
James Cagney goin to the electric chair was for me,brilliant.Also when he starred in 'White heat'..But i fully agree with Mojo-jo-jo,it's different moods..Tom Hanks,Clint Eastwood,Mickey Rooney!! Jim Carey as appeared in some bostin films. Media URL: http://youtu.be/jCOZYF6tD_E Description: